Dr. Viviane Lanzelotte, a dedicated pediatric ophthalmologist based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of children’s eye health. Her close collaboration with the National Institute of Cancer (INCA) and the Municipal Bureau of Rio de Janeiro has brought preferred treatment options to children with retinoblastoma (RB), a testament to her commitment to advancing eye care.
Megan Webber, Co-Founder of KnowTheGlow was introduced to Dr. Lanzelotte through their mutual connection with the IAPB. With a focus on awareness, Dr. Lanzelotte maintains strong connections with journalists and renowned figures, ensuring that RB receives the attention it deserves. Her efforts have been particularly effective in raising awareness through media and advocacy. The vast socioeconomic differences in Brazil, especially in the Northern and southern suburban regions outside the large city centers, present unique challenges. Dr. Lanzelotte’s sphere of influence lies in the Southeast, where she collaborates with organizations like the Society Of Pediatrics State of Rio de Janeiro (SOPERJ) to amplify messages of eye health awareness.
Dr. Lanzelotte’s involvement extends to pediatricians, emphasizing the importance of the red reflex test for the early detection of eye abnormalities. She tirelessly trains and educates pediatricians to recognize the signs and refer patients for timely ophthalmological care. Her advocacy for routine checks up to age five is commendable, though hindered by challenges faced by disadvantaged families relying on the public health system.
The scarcity of resources is a challenge echoed in her work. The lack of vision screening in schools is a pressing concern, though some organizations conduct screenings irregularly. Collaborating with the Municipal Bureau of Rio de Janeiro and SOPERJ, Dr. Lanzelotte takes a hands-on approach, training professionals to understand red reflex tests and when to refer patients for specialized care.
In her efforts to bridge the information gap, Dr. Lanzelotte is launching a comprehensive book on ophthalmological issues in children tailored for pediatricians. This initiative aligns with the triennial conferences organized by SOPERJ, offering a platform for critical discussions and the book’s launch. Pediatricians are eager to learn about new ways to care for their patients. So they are open to learning the eye conditions. Before COVID they did a webinar, and so many pediatricians joined the webinar to learn about RB because they are worried they may miss the early signs of RB. Pediatricians appreciate that Dr. Lanzelotte provides solutions for how to refer to and diagnose these conditions.
The National Institute of Cancer (INCA) has become pivotal in RB diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Lanzelotte commends the efficient and responsive approach, where even suspected RB cases are seen by specialists promptly. While challenges remain in the referral pathway and resource allocation, institutions like GRAACC ( Support Group for Adolescents and Children with Cancer) provide a beacon of hope, focusing on childhood cancer and attracting patients from across the country.
Megan discovered through Dr. Lanzelotte that the field of optometry is yet to be embraced by the ophthalmologic community. This motivated her to persist in her advocacy and additionally focus on educating pediatricians about eye conditions through webinars showcasing her commitment to early diagnosis and referral. She shared with Megan that she originally started as a pediatrician and was very satisfied with her work. Slowly, she began to see more and more preemies, and she noticed that there weren’t many pediatric ophthalmologists. She realized that follow-up is vital with these preemies and it was not happening with consistency. A colleague suggested that she change her specialty and she is happy to say that she has been a pediatric ophthalmologist for the past 20 years.
The ongoing study on remote retinography for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that began 2 years ago underscores Dr. Lanzelotte’s innovative spirit. She collaborates with international bodies like IAPB to make eye care accessible even in resource-limited areas. There is an issue about getting a red cam to Brazil because it is costly. She explained to Megan that ideally, they could have one person perform the exam and then send the images for specialized doctors to diagnose. This process is suitable for areas where resources are poor.
KnowTheGlow is honored to highlight Dr. Viviane Lanzelotte’s journey and sees it as a testament to her unwavering commitment to children’s eye health. Through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, she has transformed the landscape of pediatric ophthalmology in Brazil, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of countless children and families.
